Home of the Phoenix

About Our House

Founded in 2005 as "MBT House," which reflected our three core buildings: Marshall, Buchanan and Thomas, our house was re-named Brooks College House in the fall of 2008 to honor Robert C. Brooks Sr. 66, P98 and his wife Susan P98 in recognition of their support for both Franklin & Marshall College and our house.

During the dedication ceremony Mr. Brooks observed that "these buildings are the ones that we consider our roots at F&M" as he pointed to Marshall where he once lived as a Franklin & Marshall student and to Buchanan where one of his sons lived when he was at F&M.

A beautiful Commons is now under construction (see link on left) and will soon provide beautiful space that will become the heart of all the activities of our House.

House Crest and Symbolism

Our house crest contains a yellow phoenix in full plumage over a divided field of blue and green.

The phoenix, and its myth, represent the college and life experience of Brooks College House members to which we hope they all aspire. As in the myth, a new house member symbolically leaves behind their previous young life and emerges from the fire of their Franklin & Marshall education and Brooks House experience "reborn" as a liberally educated adult and a good citizen prepared to enter their profession, their community, and their world.

House Motto

Primus Inter Pares (First Among Equals) is a call for our students to pursue excellence and to constantly strive to put forth their best effort while respecting the qualities of those around them.

House Colors

Our primary House colors are blue and green which represent some of the core values that we strive to instill in the members of our house community: to pursue truth and loyalty (blue) in their education and their life and to do so through the process of rebirth, with hope and joy (green).